Editor’s Note
The Responsible Jewellery Council has appointed Sara Yood and Eduard Stefanescu as Co-Chairs of its Standards Committee, bringing significant regulatory and sustainability expertise to the role.
LONDON — The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading global standard-setting organization for the jewellery and watch industry, announced the appointment of two new Co-Chairs to its Standards Committee: Sara Yood, President & CEO of the Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC), and Eduard Stefanescu, Sustainability Manager of C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG. Their combined leadership brings deep regulatory, technical, supply-chain, and governance expertise to the committee responsible for shaping the future of RJC’s standards.
The Standards Committee plays a central role in ensuring RJC’s Codes of Practice, Chain of Custody and Laboratory Grown Materials standards remain robust, credible, and aligned with evolving global expectations on responsible business conduct. With expanding membership and increasing regulatory complexity, the committee’s work is more critical than ever.
Sara Yood, Jewellers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
Sara Yood is a recognized authority in jewellery industry regulations, responsible business conduct, and consumer protection. As President & CEO of JVC, she leads the organisation’s work on legal guidance, compliance, and integrity in the U.S. jewellery market. Her expertise strengthens RJC’s commitment to alignment with international laws, due diligence frameworks, and high ethical standards.
Eduard Stefanescu, C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG
Eduard Stefanescu is an industry leader in precious metals innovation and circularity. As Sustainability Manager at C.HAFNER, he oversees international operations in refining, recycling, and supply-chain integrity. A Geoscientist by profession, his technical and sustainability expertise supports the Standards Committee’s mission to advance responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, and transparency. Also Chair of the European Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Platform and Chair of the German Precious Metals Federation’s Sustainability Working Committee.
Let me say, it is truly a remarkable industry – multifaceted and showcasing unique character. As the initiative representing the global jewellery and watch industry, RJC carries both a responsibility and an opportunity to address global challenges through standards that promote human and labour rights, environmental protection, and transparency in supply chains. My goal is to help RJC remain the frontrunner in developing standards and guidance that embed sustainability, ESG principles, transparency, and responsible supply chains— while encouraging collaboration and constructive dialogue across the industry.” – Eduard Stefanescu
The RJC also welcomes a diverse group of new committee members drawn from across the jewellery value chain, civil society, and consumer representation. Their combined experience strengthens the committee’s multi-stakeholder approach and reflects the breadth of expertise needed to shape globally credible standards.
Ben Ronca, Leach Garner
Leads financial strategy and metals procurement, with deep expertise in responsible sourcing, SEC and conflict minerals compliance, and environmental standards. He bridges financial oversight with materials compliance to support ethical and certified operations.
Donald Bray, Fura Gems
Chief Sustainability Officer overseeing global ESG strategy, social performance, and responsible sourcing across high-risk regions. Brings expertise in biodiversity, carbon reduction, and alignment with GRI, IRMA, TSM, ICMM, and RJC standards.
Melanie Mater, De Beers
Drives ethical, sustainable, and transparent value chains, overseeing human rights due diligence, AML compliance, and the Best Practice Principles programme. A leader in responsible sourcing and stakeholder engagement.
Valerie Michel, Rosy Blue
Leads global initiatives on ethical sourcing, supply-chain transparency, ESG compliance, and audit oversight. Active advocate for sustainability, women’s empowerment, and human rights across the jewellery and gemstone sectors.
Wafa Jaffery, DMCC
Director of the Dubai Diamond Exchange and overseer of the Dubai Good Delivery Accreditation Program. Longstanding World Diamond Council board member, supporting Kimberley Process compliance and ethical trade.
Alethea Inns, Gemological Science International (GSI)
Global leader in gemological education with technical expertise in diamond grading and coloured stone identification. Develops innovative training programmes and previously served as Director of Education at AGS.
Raluca Angel, Natural Diamond Council
Leads global advocacy, policy engagement, and industry alignment for the NDC. Recognised expert in EU policy, sustainability, transparency, and diamond classification, helping shape global narratives and regulatory frameworks.